Distance: 8 miles

Walk with BPT’s Old Way specialist Dawn Champion, through the liminal landscape of the harbour channels and in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims.

Explore this deeply evocative path through Roman and Saxon West Sussex. From Bosham, the oldest site of Christianity in Sussex, and one of Britain’s only featured locations on Ptolemy’s Geographica of 150 AD, to Chichester with the Arundel tomb, shrine of St Richard and Bishops Palace Garden. We’ll pause at Apuldram and Fishbourne, enjoying wild waters and wildlife on the cusp of Spring with silence, song and stories. The walking will finish at 5pm, after which Pilgrims may choose to stay on for the music of Evensong. Evensong is a service offering the opportunity for peace and quiet reflection at the end of each day, accompanied by beautiful choral music. Many visitors stay to listen to the choir and experience this unique tradition.

Rediscover your place in the British pilgrimage tradition with one day on the Old Way.

This is a British Pilgrimage Trust event that follows a 1-day stage of the Old Way to Canterbury, and we make pilgrimages that encounter Britain in new (and very old) ways...

Pilgrimage is a 'Bring your own beliefs' practice.

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This Pilgrimage will include:

- New ways of meeting old Churches (bring your own beliefs!)

- Pilgrim songs on the path

- Occasional stretches of silence

- Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition

- Natural beauty and the wild places between the roads

- Holy and Historic sites of various kinds

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Travel

The pilgrimage will start at Holy Trinity Church, Bosham on Saturday morning at 11 am.

***Edit: Please note that there are rail strikes on the 18th March. We are able to arrange taxi or car shares as an alternative, but please ensure you are able to get to Chichester or Bosham before booking a ticket***

The nearest bus stop to the church is Bosham Car Park, a 5 minute walk with a service which arrives from Chichester at 10:55.

The pilgrimage will end at Chichester Cathedral by 5pm, with optional Evensong at 5.30pm. Pilgrims can expect to be on their way home by 6.30pm.

Your Pilgrim Guide

Guidance from BPT's Dawn. She will offer traditions to help your pilgrimage come to life - including stories and suggested pilgrim rituals. She will lead you along a beautifully considered route with capable navigation. You will receive support when you need it, and space when you don't.

What to bring

A packed lunch; pair of trusty walking boots; waterproofs (if applicable); water bottle or thermos; comfortable clothes and backpack. A staff or walking stick is not essential but is the sign of pilgrim.

FAQ’s

Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).

Is this religious? All and no-faiths are equally welcome. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy. We ask that all participating pilgrims tolerate one another, whatever their beliefs.

Are there fitness limitations? Pilgrimage is moderately intense. If you struggle to walk all day, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. There are always plenty of escape points en route. But we will walk slowly, and start early, and just under six miles is a very manageable distance for the majority of people. Unfortunately this pilgrimage is not suited for mobility-impaired people or those requiring wheelchair access.

Can I bring my dog? Sadly not - we can’t accommodate dogs on our guided pilgrimages. However, if you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.

What does my ticket price pay for, in addition to admission? The funds raised from this limited space event allow the team at British Pilgrimage Trust (a registered charity) to spend more time making it possible for thousands of pilgrims to make pilgrimage themselves by engaging with our ever-increasing range of free resources. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.

If you would like to make a donation in addition to a ticket, click here.

We hope to see you on the path